Preventive Care

Over one million people in America suffer from an eye injury every year. Almost fifty percent of these accidents occur at home, and over ninety percent of them could have been prevented. Prevention is key.

In the Home
Everyday products can sometimes cause serious burns when they touch your eyes. Make sure all spray nozzles are directed away from you before pulling the handle. Read instructions carefully before using cleaning fluids, detergents, ammonia or harsh chemicals. Wash your hands thoroughly after use. Use grease shields on frying pans to protect from spattering. Wear special goggles to shield your eyes from fumes and splashes when using powerful chemicals. Use opaque goggles to avoid burns from sunlamps.

In the Workshop
Many objects can fly into your eyes unexpectedly and injure your eyes. If you are in a workplace with flying fragments, fumes, dust particles, sparks and splashing chemicals, be sure to keep your eyes well protected. Read instructions thoroughly before using tools and chemicals. Follow precautions for their use.

Around Children
Toys and games can be dangerous when used incorrectly. Pay attention to your child's age and responsibility level when you buy toys and games. Avoid projectile toys such as darts, pellet guns, etc. Supervise children when they are playing with toys or games that can be dangerous. Teach children the correct way to handle items such as scissors and pencils.

Around the Car
Sparks and fumes can ignite rapidly and explode. Battery acid can cause serious eye injuries. Put out all cigarettes and matches before opening the hood of the car. Use a flashlight, not a match or a lighter, to look at the battery at night. Wear protective goggles for auto body repairs such as, grinding metal or striking metal against metal. Make sure that the cars and the jumper cable clamps are not touching each other. Never lean over the battery when attaching cables. Never attach a cable to the negative terminal of the dead battery.

In Sports
Sports and recreational activities cause more than 31,000 eye injuries each year. Wear protective safety glasses, especially for sports such as tennis, racquetball, squash, baseball and basketball. Wear protective caps, helmets or face protectors when appropriate, especially for sports such as ice hockey.

Around Fireworks
All fireworks can be dangerous to people of all ages. Never allow children to ignite fireworks. Do not stand near others when lighting fireworks.